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Heisman Winner Mendoza Skips White House for Raiders OTAs

5/3/2026

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Summary

Mendoza Skips White House

Fernando Mendoza will miss the May 11 White House visit because he says it conflicts with Raiders OTAs.
He believes OTAs start May 11, although the team schedule lists them beginning May 18.
Mendoza posted 186 passing yards, 16-of-27 completions and a touchdown in Indiana’s 16-0 championship game, won the Heisman Trophy and will vie with Kirk Cousins for the Raiders quarterback position.

Summary

Mendoza Embraces Stress

Mendoza took snaps from under center in rookie minicamp, requiring new footwork and timing.
He called the intense drills a “positively stressed” environment that boosts his OTA preparation.
He said the volume of information makes him feel positively stressed, helping his growth as a rookie.
Mendoza will verify the OTA schedule on the Teamworks app before any extra commitments.

History

Historical Context

The NFL’s offseason schedule stems from the 1992 collective bargaining agreement, which was renewed four times before the 2011 lockout settlement reshaped league provisions. Today, the Oakland Raiders’ voluntary practice window opens May 18, just after Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza’s White House invitation on May 11. The timing revives the league’s historic tension between player duties and owners’ scheduling demands.

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Mendoza Skips White House

Fernando Mendoza will miss the May 11 White House visit because he says it conflicts with Raiders OTAs.
He believes OTAs start May 11, although the team schedule lists them beginning May 18.
Mendoza posted 186 passing yards, 16-of-27 completions and a touchdown in Indiana’s 16-0 championship game, won the Heisman Trophy and will vie with Kirk Cousins for the Raiders quarterback position.

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